Câncer bucal na atenção primária à saúde: o papel do cirurgião dentista na sua prevenção e detecção

Abstract

Cancer is the name of a set of diseases that have in common the disordered growth of cells and that invade tissues and organs. Lips, gums, cheeks, palate, tongue and lower tongue can be affected, characterizing oral cancer. Most cases are diagnosed in advanced stages and early identification increases the chance of cancer responding to an effective treatment that results in a greater likelihood of survival. Considering the importance of prevention and early diagnosis of oral cancer, it is necessary to evaluate and carry out further studies on the role of the dental surgeon in the Family Health Units, since such units are the gateway to the Unified Health System. This is a literature review based on scientific productions selected from the main databases in the health field such as PubMed, Scielo, Virtual Health Library and Google Scholar, in which keywords were applied related to the topic to search for studies: Oral Cancer, Primary Health Care, Dental Surgeon, Prevention and Diagnosis. It is understood that the dentist has a fundamental role in the main objectives of Primary Health Care, which is to identify the problems of the registered population and to develop measures and actions aimed at the promotion, treatment, recovery and maintenance of health. At the collective level, the professional's activities include carrying out and coordinating health promotion and protection actions, identifying and preventing diseases, mapping the region's epidemiological profile, supervising the performance of other professionals in the oral health teams and managing inputs. fundamental to the functioning of the Family Health Units. At the individual level, the dentist must provide comprehensive oral health care, starting with diagnosis, emergency care and minor outpatient surgeries. Thus, the dental surgeon as a member of the Oral Health Team of Primary Health Care has a great commitment to the public health system and to the population in articulating strategies that contribute to the efficiency of the Health Care Network and to improving the quality of life and health of the community.